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Key Points

Angelo Matthews has officially retired from Test cricket after a 15-year career. The Sri Lankan legend ended with 8,241 runs, ranking third behind Sangakkara and Jayawardene. He captained Sri Lanka to memorable wins, including a famous Headingley victory. Matthews called for younger players to step up as he bid an emotional farewell.

Key Points: Angelo Matthews Retires From Test Cricket After 119 Matches

  • Matthews retires as Sri Lanka's 3rd highest Test run-scorer
  • Led Sri Lanka to historic wins in England and Australia
  • Received guard of honour from Bangladesh
  • Ends career with 8,241 runs at 44.4 average
2 min read

'It's time for younger players to take the baton': Angelo Matthews bids farewell to Test cricket

Sri Lankan legend Angelo Matthews bids farewell to Test cricket after a stellar 15-year career, urging younger players to carry the baton forward.

"It's time for the younger players to take the baton and drive Sri Lanka through. – Angelo Matthews"

Galle, June 21

Sri Lankan great Angelo Matthews bowed out from the longest format after the first Test between the hosts and Bangladesh at the Galle International Stadium. In 119 Tests, Mathews has amassed 8241 runs at an average of 44.4, while picking 33 wickets. He was given a guard of honour by the Bangladesh side as he made his way back for the final time in whites.

“Since I announced my retirement, I can't believe the love that I have received so far. I am certainly overwhelmed. Ever so grateful to all those who supported me right throughout. It wasn't an easy journey; there were a lot of ups and downs, happiness and sadness. But through it all, I was able to do it because of the support that I have received,” said Matthews post-game.

Mathews made his Test debut in 2009. He captained Sri Lanka in 34 Tests, including a famous win in Headingley in 2014, and is currently the side’s third leading run-getter in the longer format after Kumar Sangakkara and Mahela Jayawardene.

“(Emotional?) Well, obviously. Retiring from the best format, the format that I loved playing. It's time for the younger players to take the baton and drive Sri Lanka through. We certainly have the young talent in the dressing room. I should congratulate Bangladesh, they've had a wonderful Test match,” he added.

Matthews also reflected on what were his favourite memories were during his long Test career, to which he replied, “The win against England in England and whitewashing the Australians in Sri Lanka 3-0, that was a huge highlight and honour achieved by the entire team. I am thankful to all the players who have supported me throughout, the coaches, and all the fans for being there with me. The love that I have received, thank you so much.”

In the end, the first Test of the 2025–27 World Test Championship cycle between Sri Lanka and Bangladesh in Galle ended in a tense draw, marked by a dramatic final session.

Sri Lanka, chasing a target of 296 in 37 overs, chose to play defensively and finished at 72/4, surviving a late spin assault led by Taijul Islam, who took 3-23, including key wickets of Angelo Mathews—playing his final Test—and Dinesh Chandimal.

- IANS

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Reader Comments

R
Rahul K.
What a legend! Mathews was one of the most technically sound batsmen against spin - something we Indians always admired. His Headingley century in 2014 was pure class. Sad to see another great from our neighboring cricket nation retire. Wishing him the best for his future! 🇮🇳🤝🇱🇩
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Priya M.
As an Indian cricket fan, I've always respected how Mathews carried himself on and off the field. That 3-0 whitewash against Australia in 2016 was epic! But honestly, SL cricket needs to rebuild properly now - their test performances have been inconsistent lately. Hope the young players step up!
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Arjun S.
End of an era for SL cricket! Mathews was their last connection to the golden generation of Sangakkara-Jayawardene. His retirement makes me wonder - when will we see another great test batsman emerge from the subcontinent? The focus seems to be shifting too much to T20s these days.
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Sunita R.
That emotional farewell speech got me teary-eyed! 😢 Mathews always played with so much passion. Remember his battles with our Indian bowlers - especially that Chennai test in 2015. Subcontinent cricket won't be the same without players like him who valued test cricket above all.
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Vikram J.
Respect for Mathews' career, but honestly SL cricket board didn't utilize him properly in later years. Too much chopping-changing in captaincy affected his form. Hope BCCI learns from this - we need to manage our senior players better too. Transition planning is crucial!

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